Government shut down

[Tonyall]

IMHO, the ACA or "ObamaCare" would not be the focal point behind the shutdown if it had been more broadly accepted across both parties. The bully majority move made by the democrats when they rammed the bill through ranks up there with the hissy fit the republicans are throwing right now.

The problem is that both parties, but the Republican in particular, are becoming more extreme. They refused to participate in drafting the health care law in any way.

Anyway, I feel nothing but total disgust right now. Extremist groups buy air time and that is enough to persuade a generally uncaring public to dump their more moderate leaders and the nuts feel the vacuum!

[Mjenn]

Let's not forget that due to the debt ceiling coming up, this has international ramifications and the rest of the world is really really not impressed right now with the US, at least according to the international media that I work with.

This could end up, even if it does get solved, being the nail in the coffin of the dollar as the main global currency, because if it gets held hostage over political squabbles it can no longer be viewed as having any stability what so ever. Basically, this petulant act of congress could seriously impact the American economy in the long term and prevent any, even modest recovery from taking place for years to come.

So yeah, good job congress. Glad you see health care as the threat. A lot of other people see you as the threat since you take the government hostage instead of trying to pass legitimate legislation to overturn a law that has been upheld at the supreme court level.

[marvholly]

A Pox on Both Their Houses

I live in IL and, generally, have been happy w/my Senators (Durbin & Kirk) and Representative. HOWEVER, this constant fighting/blocking MUST end. In the next election(s) we must replace them ALL. Make notes friends and do NOT forget or become lazy at election time.

[KTP]

Anyone who votes for an incumbent - republican or democrat - next election deserves what they get. Bunch of children.

[JoeP]

Anyone who votes for an incumbent - republican or democrat - next election deserves what they get. Bunch of children.

Problem is this:

If a sitting senator, for example, is from party A, and the opponent in a general election is from party B, those loyal to party A will vote that senator back in just to avoid handing more power over to the other party. In the best situation, each party would offer up opponents to force primaries, but this will not happen because there is no guarantee the other party would do the same, and a weaker primary winner would likely lose.

Term limits is the only way to force turnover. There are some inflexible and party-line dogmatic robots in both parties, and these are the people who must go.

[DBM08]

Is anyone aware that the GOP has mad several attempts to pass a budget but the Democrats keep voting it down because they want to continue to be exempt from obamacare. If it's not Good enough for all of Congress then what makes it SO Good for the citizens. I give all of the GOP holding strong a thumbs up!

[bigdaddybus]

My 4 step program to understanding the current issues.

Step 1: Take a double shot of cuervo
Step 2: Spend 1 min on each of these sites, and drink a shot of beer with every mouse click (Drudge Report, Salon, Fox News, CNN)
Step 3: take a double shot of cuervo
Step 4: Spin in your chair as fast as possible for 1 min.


You are now as screwed up as the US govt. If not, see step 1.

[ua_guy]

Is anyone aware that the GOP has mad several attempts to pass a budget but the Democrats keep voting it down because they want to continue to be exempt from obamacare. If it's not Good enough for all of Congress then what makes it SO Good for the citizens. I give all of the GOP holding strong a thumbs up!

No, you've missed the point. The GOP doesn't agree with an existing law, and they've shut down the government as a result. It's a law that was approved and funding was already appropriated, not to mention, they do not have the backing of the majority of their own party leaders, or their constituents for the course of action they took.

This is treason and/or terrorism, and it saddens me because the whole GOP will suffer as a result. Boehner is actually a bad person and also a terrible leader; that is to say, vindictive, retalitory, and not acting in the interest of the people he supposedly represents.

[bigdaddybus]

No, you've missed the point. The GOP doesn't agree with an existing law, and they've shut down the government as a result. It's a law that was approved and funding was already appropriated, not to mention, they do not have the backing of the majority of their own party leaders, or their constituents for the course of action they took.

This is treason and/or terrorism, and it saddens me because the whole GOP will suffer as a result. Boehner is actually a bad person and also a terrible leader; that is to say, vindictive, retalitory, and not acting in the interest of the people he supposedly represents.

Our someone can argue that the President and Senate are ignoring the House all together. Neither side looks interested in compromise

[ua_guy]

Our someone can argue that the President and Senate are ignoring the House all together. Neither side looks interested in compromise

If this was JUST about spending and normal budgetary quibbles ala 1995, I'd agree, but it's not. There's no reason for the liberal/democratic side to compromise on Obamacare. None.

[KTP]

Is anyone aware that the GOP has mad several attempts to pass a budget but the Democrats keep voting it down because they want to continue to be exempt from obamacare. If it's not Good enough for all of Congress then what makes it SO Good for the citizens. I give all of the GOP holding strong a thumbs up!

I tend to vote republican but the GOP hasn't made any real attempt to pass a budget. Deleting funding for ACA is a non-starter.

Throw both parties out and start new.

[Mjenn]

Our someone can argue that the President and Senate are ignoring the House all together. Neither side looks interested in compromise

Except this is different. The house has tried to wheedle in legislation that has not managed to be passed on its own, into the budget to force it through. The Affordable Care Act, whether you like it or not, did pass legitimately. And if you want to over turn it, then pass a new bill. By sneaking the changes into a major piece of legislation -the budget- you are setting the precedent that from here on out, a minority opinion can take the government hostage by hijacking onto the budget. If the White House does back down, they are sending the message that this is the way to get your way, even if legitimate - constitutionally developed pathways --- fail.

Regardless of what side you are on, compromise here is really not a good idea.